Satellite images show collapse of Indonesian island volcano

This combination of synthetic aperture radar images taken by JAXA's ALOS-2 satellite and analyzed by Geospatial Information Authority of Japan shows Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano, center in images, before and after the Dec. 22, 2018, eruption. The images were taken on Aug. 20, 2018, left, and on Dec. 24, 2018, right, respectively. The satellite imagery showed a deformation on the volcano's southwest side.(Geospatial Information Authority of Japan via AP)

Satellite photos aren't available because of cloud cover but radar images from a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency satellite taken before and after the eruption show the volcano's southwestern flank has disappeared.

Dave Petley, head of research and innovation at Sheffield University who analyzed similar images from a European Space Agency satellite, said they support the theory that a landslide, most of it undersea, caused the tsunami that killed at least 430 people on Saturday evening.

"The challenge now is to interpret what might be happening on the volcano, and what might happen next," he wrote in a blog.

Indonesian authorities are warning people to stay away a kilometer (less than a mile) from the Sunda Strait coastline because of the risk of another tsunami.

Tens of thousands of Indonesians have gathered at the national mosque in the capital for mass prayers urging people to vote for a Muslim governor of the city as the country prepares for regional elections next week

About Us

Indo Inquirer is the leading online news network in Indonesia, providing daily breaking news with in-depth news coverage and the best photojournalism. We deliver compelling and diverse engaging stories around the world.